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Mitsubishi Mirage 4G13 (12V) Hatchback 51kW (1988–1991)

Discover the Mitsubishi Mirage Base model, the quintessential small car revered for its practicality and economy. This wiki serves as a vital resource for owners seeking to optimize their Mirage’s performance and longevity, offering key maintenance tips and insightful solutions for common issues.

Parts for the Mitsubishi Mirage 4G13 (12V) Hatchback 51kW

Known issues

Mirage owners should be aware of some common issues that may arise, especially on higher mileage vehicles (150,000-250,000km):
• CV Joint Wear: Keep an ear out for clicking noises, especially when turning, which can indicate worn CV joints.
• Distributor Issues: Ignition problems can sometimes be traced to the distributor.
• Rust: Watch out for rust, particularly in the sills and floor pan.

WOF tips

During Warrant of Fitness (WoF) inspections, pay attention to these common check points:
• Rust: Rust around the rear wheel arches is a common area of concern.
• Brakes: Brake condition is thoroughly checked, particularly the rear drums.
• Steering: Excessive play in steering components will likely result in a WoF failure.

About the Mitsubishi Mirage 4G13 (12V) Hatchback 51kW

The Mitsubishi Mirage has secured its spot as a popular small car in New Zealand, celebrated for its impressive fuel efficiency and reliability. To keep your Mirage running efficiently, here are some essential maintenance tips:
• Engine Oil: Regular oil and filter changes are crucial for engine health, and you may need to replace your ENGINE OIL PAN GASKET down the road.
• Wiper Blades: Ensure a clear view in all conditions with high-quality WIPER BLADES. Don’t forget to check both the Passenger Side Blade and Driver Side Blade, and consider Front Wiper Refills or a Front Wiper Pack for cost-effective maintenance.
• Fluid Checks: Monitor POWER STEERING FLUID levels regularly to keep steering smooth and responsive.

Common Components to Watch For: As your Mirage ages, certain parts may need attention. Owners typically find themselves replacing items such as the REVERSE LAMP SWITCH, VALVE STEM SEAL, CYLINDER HEAD GASKET, and sometimes even larger components like the CLUTCH KIT or EXHAUST SYSTEM, particularly in high-mileage vehicles.

Your Mirage’s cooling system deserves special attention, especially around the 150,000km mark. Ensure to inspect the WATER PUMP, THERMOSTAT, and RADIATOR hoses, which links naturally to our Cooling System category. Braking components should also be serviced periodically – check our Braking category for related parts.

Remember, staying proactive with regular maintenance can prevent many common issues and keep your Mitsubishi Mirage running smoothly for years to come.

Questions owners ask

What are the most common maintenance tasks I should perform on my 1988-1991 Mitsubishi Mirage?
Regular oil and filter changes are crucial for your Mirage's engine health. You should also regularly check your power steering fluid levels and ensure your wiper blades are in good condition. Around the 150,000km mark, pay close attention to your cooling system components like the water pump, thermostat, and radiator hoses.
What are some common issues to look out for on a higher mileage Mitsubishi Mirage (1988-1991)?
For Mirages with 150,000-250,000km, common issues include clicking noises from worn CV joints, ignition problems potentially linked to the distributor, and rust, especially in the sills and floor pan. You might also find yourself replacing parts like the reverse lamp switch, valve stem seals, or cylinder head gasket.
What should I be aware of for my Mitsubishi Mirage's Warrant of Fitness (WoF) inspection in New Zealand?
During a WoF inspection for your 1988-1991 Mitsubishi Mirage, pay particular attention to rust around the rear wheel arches, the condition of your brakes (especially the rear drums), and any excessive play in the steering components, as these are common reasons for WoF failures.
Where can I get a new CLUTCH KIT or EXHAUST SYSTEM for my 1988-1991 Mitsubishi Mirage in NZ?
CARFIX stocks 360 SKUs for your 1988-1991 Mitsubishi Mirage, including common replacement parts like CLUTCH KITs and EXHAUST SYSTEM components. You can find these and other parts on the CARFIX website.
My 1988-1991 Mitsubishi Mirage is making clicking noises when turning. What could be the problem?
Clicking noises, especially when turning, are a common indicator of worn CV joints in your Mitsubishi Mirage. This is a common issue for higher mileage vehicles (150,000-250,000km) and should be addressed.
How often should I change the engine oil in my 1988-1991 Mitsubishi Mirage?
The service interval for your Mitsubishi Mirage is 10,000km. Regular engine oil and filter changes are crucial for maintaining engine health.